The Islamist group Hamas released a video on Wednesday showing one of the Israeli hostages in Gaza, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, with part of his left arm amputated. In the video, Goldberg-Polin criticizes Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government for not doing enough to free them. The young man appears unrecognizable with close-cropped hair, marks on his face, and an amputated arm, lost during a Hamas attack.
Goldberg-Polin addresses Netanyahu in the video, expressing his disappointment in the government’s efforts to secure their release. He also sends a message to his family on the occasion of the Jewish Passover holiday. The Israeli government has been engaged in indirect negotiations with Hamas through mediating countries like Qatar and Egypt, but no agreement has been reached to exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Following Goldberg-Polin’s video, his parents, Rachel and Jonathan, responded with a recording expressing their love and support for their son. They are relieved to see him alive but concerned about his health and well-being, as well as that of the other hostages in Gaza. The Qatari government has expressed commitment to mediation efforts but is reevaluating its role due to attacks and lack of seriousness from parties like Israel.
The family’s plea for Hersh’s safe return highlights the ongoing distress faced by hostages and their loved ones in the region. Despite efforts to negotiate a truce and secure the release of hostages, the situation remains tense and uncertain. The emotional impact of prolonged captivity is evident in the family’s response and the ongoing challenges faced by those involved in the mediation process.